Sparks - A continuation

Sparks

The issues were many but the future looked bright. Though I found myself working non-stop developing polices, writing manuals, implementing a financial process, creating a records system and working with the team I found joy. I was extremely surprised because the stress was overwhelming but the peace of knowing what we were working towards was something much larger than the obstacles we were facing. 

As an organization we had to pivot but the team was amazing. It was a small but mighty group of people. The talents of each were hands down unmatched compared to other nonprofit organizations. People from all different countries coming together to help others. It was beautiful. Once we experienced our company PIVOT things started to get real and exciting. The team worked extremely hard. They were all young and eager, holding much promise. 

We partnered with an amazing organization in Australia so it was full steam ahead. All these very different people with the same goal; to break the poverty cycle through education, coming together to change lives. It was simply amazing and such an honor to serve.

Most people are lucky to do what they love and work with incredible people. I've been blessed throughout my life and this charity was no exception. Although its team turned over, both teams were nothing less than exceptional. Having stepped into a leadership role, on day one, I found myself in a difficult spot. I was leading teams that had amazing hearts but little to no non-profit experience. (That didn't stop any of them however.) Each ones passion brought with it such beautiful talent. Now both the lack of experience and age differences caused some friction, but to me, friction is a thing of beauty. It creates sparks. Sparks shine bright and fly into the night sky unafraid of burning out and hoping to start a fire. Now fire, can be either beautiful or destructive and there is no question that this charity, its teams and donors experienced both. 

Have you ever looked at a flame? Fire is such an important part of magic and creates such intense heat, which was something this charity was full of. Magic has been said to represent creativity and is used to draw people in. Each person that has worked with this charity from day one has brought their gifts and talents which touched the hearts of others. Now, not everyone remained, but their contribution can never be forgotten. Each and everyone mattered and without one of them fulfilling their role, the charity could've never accomplished all it has. 

In becoming the charity's day to day leader I had the privilege of meeting with and forming its team. Each individual not only touched my heart but impressed me with their willingness to help. In a matter of months we had funded three schools, an aid post, outfitted multiple villages with solar, clean water and supplies. I witnessed strangers from all around the world encourage each other and coming up with ways to contribute. It's still blows me away today. 

We were working non-stop and at a speed not typical of a new organization, let alone an international one. The dedication was impressive. When you work around the clock with people, they get into your heart and thats what happened to me. Each and every person involved in this charity still means the world to me. Not all of them agreed with me or even like me but wether they were friend or foe, I consider them "like family" and would be there without question if needed.  Some where free spirits, others desired structure and some fell  in-between. They ranged in age, culture, race and beliefs but each and everyone had a common thread. Helping others. This community became a family. 

Now, many will roll their eyes when reading that but in any family there are disagreements, offenses and differences. There are some that love and support and others who lash out and at times bully but again, if you take all that away and focus on the thread that runs through each one you can overlook anything. That doesn't mean people don't hurt because although fire is magical it also burns causing great pain. 

The words that shifted meaning the most for me were "like family". I once thought this meant someone that has been around for years and that you talk to all the time, a connection that formed with little choice or input.  At my age I didn't think I was going to learn anything from helping this charity but I was completely wrong. Sometimes people change your life forever and those involved changed mine. My fellow board members, teammates as well as the charity's community will always be in my heart, "like family". 

In the day to day I witnessed joy, success, sorrow and failures; each one serving its purpose. Now I also know there will be many many more lessons from this wonderful experience but the most important lesson thus far  has been this: relationships of all kinds are gifts and have to be handled with care, even the ones that hurt you the most. 

MORE TO COME....